“I … can’t wait for camping season to start.”

Janice’s Story

Over time, I stopped doing everything due to my pain and feeling that I was unstable. I stopped camping and only walked short distances. Shopping and walking my dog was painful, and I couldn’t find a comfortable position to sleep. I live alone, and I could no longer clean my house or stand for more than a few minutes to cook. Meals became less about nutrition and more about ease. Family gatherings and grandchildren’s events were hard to attend. I started using pain medications for the first time in my life. I was limping, using a cane in public and a walker at home.

After many years of back injections, my son’s orthopaedic surgeon read my MRI, took an X-ray and showed me my left hip joint, the source of my problem.

I have now had both hips replaced. I have no pain, and I no longer take pain pills. I walk, swim, stand, sleep and shop and can’t wait for camping season to start. I can stand all day to cook for a party, clean my house and decorate for Christmas. Instead of avoiding things, I now have my life back and embrace it all.

Do not wait to see your doctor. It was such a simple procedure for me, almost pain free. Attend a class before surgery to learn about the procedure, what to expect, how to prepare yourself and your home and to decide if you will need help. I only spent one night in the hospital. Home nurses and physical therapists came to my house the next day. Do everything you are told to do at the hospital. Follow the physical therapy recommendations for exercise, rest and enjoy your new life.